Apropos of the recent post about electroplating, I was impressed with the chrome shine I got using Rust-oleum Metallic Finish spray paint. Much better than the spray paint I used on models back in the '70’s.
Process:
-Source model by mechg: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:492176 (I made a solid version, rather than spiral vase).
-Printed in ABS.
-Some sanding. Didn’t attempt to remove all layer lines.
-Sprayed with automotive filler primer.
-Some more sanding
-Three or so coats of chrome spray paint. It didn’t get really shiny until the paint got dangerously close to dripping.
Painted 3D prints look pretty extraordinary. I can handle a spray can, so I might be able to do something like this. The high detail stuff I see posted, though, is beyond my skill level.
It almost looks like a closeup of a Monopoly game piece.
nice work!
Looks like a wind tunnel model. Good work. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always wanted to print and electroplated old hood ornaments 
Is the paint actually conductive? I wonder if you could put a thin coating of this on the print and then really electroplate it with real metal.
I doubt the paint is very conductive, but after electroplating it would be! Ive made slurry from black pearls 2000, polymorph and dichloromethane that is able to be brushed on and quite conductive… Haven’t tried acetone for that.
+Mike Downey - The rocket was a decoration for a xmas gift I gave to a 50’s sci-fi loving friend of mine, so it has flown from my possession. However, I just put my multimeter to the drip of paint on the spray can’s nozzle – nope, not conductive at all.